This special limited edition embossed and spot gloss slipcover (designed by Robert Sammelin) is limited to 6,000units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.
Looming large over the landscape of Mexican cinema, no family names are bigger than Cardona and Galindo. Both families traversed every genre and style and sometimes their paths would cross, as they do here in the VACATION OF TERROR series. Vinegar Syndrome is proud to present the worldwide Blu-ray debut of this terrifying double feature from two of Mexico's finest genre filmmakers of the '80s and '90s, René Cardona III and Pedro Galindo III. Newly scanned and restored in 4K, experience the horror like never before!
After inheriting a new summer home from a deceased relative, wealthy Fernando brings his family, his niece Paulina (Gabriela Hassel, Don't Panic) and her boyfriend, Julio (Pedro Fernández, Hell's Trap), who happens to be an occult expert along for the vacation. Quickly they discover strange happenings on the property, but when Fernando's young daughter Gaby falls into a well and returns with an old doll, things take a turn for the horrific. Possessed by the evil spirit of a witch, Gaby and her doll run amok, with telekinesis, terrifying hallucinations, fiery car crashes, and ample scares. Only Julio with his knowledge of the dark arts, and the help of a mystical amulet, can bring this VACATION OF TERROR to an end!
Fitting into the lineage of sequels that outshine their predecessor, the Vacation franchise returns even bigger and better with VACATION OF TERROR II: DIABOLICAL BIRTHDAY. Julio (Pedro Fernández) is back, quietly running an antique shop when a chance encounter with singer Mayra (Mexican pop icon Tatiana) and her younger sister Tanya, brings him face to face with the evil doll and the nightmare begins again! Racing to a birthday party for the young Tanya, who is now under the doll's spell, Julio arrives in time to witness the carnage begin, but will he be able to stop it again? Filled with action-packed set pieces, face-melting gore and buckets of blood, this sequel ratchets up every aspect of the original.
directed by: René Cardona III, Pedro Galindo III starring: Pedro Fernández, Gabriela Hassel, Julio Alemán, Nuria Bages, Carlos East, Gianella Hassel, Tatiana, Joaquín Cordero 1988-1990 / 167 min (combined) / 1.85:1 / Spanish Mono with English subtitles
Additional info:
Region Free Blu-ray
Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative (VOT1) and a 35mm archival positive (VOT2)
Video interview with Gianella Hassel & Gabriela Hassel, actors in Vacation of Terror (12 min)
Video interview with Eugenio Castillo, composer of Vacation of Terror (10 min)
"Backlot Rats" with Carlos East Jr. & Ernesto East, actors in Vacation of Terror (19 min)
Video interview with Jorge Farfán, special effects artist on Vacation of Terror (13 min)
Reversible sleeve artwork
Newly translated English subtitles
Overall rating: 4.4353447 / 5 from 232 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
Vacation of Terror 1 & 2 is a special limited edition Blu-ray set featuring a fantastic release by Vinegar Syndrome. Customers highly recommend the double feature, praising its atmospheric Mexican horror, beautiful artwork, and fantastic effects. The packaging and transfer quality are also well-received, making it a must-have for horror fans.
"2nd film is far superior so glad to get this double feature in my selection." — Joseph K.
"Great restoration and transfer, i liked the movie" — Robert E.
"Awesome double feature!" — Mark D.
Reviews
Cardona Carnage
"Worthy little low budget jam. Vacation of Terror is for the die hard trash fans and if you are one you should be familiar with René Cardona III already. I've grabbed every title from VS and enjoy them all to some degree. This edition is one of his better features or at least the first is. Wrapped in a quality slipcover and will service your itch for cheap scares."
— Matthew D. (4/5)
Terror Vacations
"The Vacation of Terror series is fantastic. Terrific set of movies if you’re into Mexican horror. Fantastic score for both pictures. Artwork is pristine and the slip case is beautiful. Pick this collection up if you like good stuff."
— Dustin G. (5/5)
Weird Mexican horror.
"Good watch if you're into this kinda thing. Kinda niche though. Have fun?"
— Stephen J. (4/5)
Good quality, not bad movies
"The picture and quality of this release is great. Good sound, nice features. The slipcover is also very nice in showing both movies (and titles). My only issue is that this release only has English subtitles and not a dubbed version, which I would have liked the option (if possible). As far as the movies themselves: I much enjoyed the second one more than the first. The first was more of a slow burn. Both are interesting and definitely worth a watch."
— Patrick G. (4/5)
A fun enjoyable horror collection.
"A fun enjoyable horror collection."
— Edward l. (3/5)
Mexican Horror Double Feature
"“Vacasiones de Terror” 1 and 2 on Blu Ray! What!? These two Mexican exploitation horror flicks are insane. I first watched them on DVD from a BCI box set years ago. When VinSin put the disc for sale on the website I knew I had to upgrade. A kid get a horrendous doll from an antique store and surprise! It is possessed by the evil and vengeful spirit of a witch that will create chaos and terrorize everyone in its path. Not enough for you? Get ready because the doll is back to crash a birthday party and your viewing experience with its uglyness. Highly recommended!"
— Sebastian C. (5/5)
Value For Money
"This double bill of late 80s horror is definitely worth checking out. I preferred the first film (directed by René Cardona III) about a killer doll possessed by the spirit of a vengeful witch who takes over the mind of the little girl who finds it at the bottom of a well (as you do). The cast seems to be enjoying themselves although the female lead played by Gabriela Hassel (real-life sister of the little girl) quickly becomes annoying with her constant screaming once the terror starts. I didn't think much of the sequel (directed by Pedro Galindo III) which was less of a killer doll film and more of a monster movie. Pedro Fernández is the only returning actor from the first film but he has good chemistry with singer Tatiana. She has a great voice but unfortunately I don't understand Spanish. I would have felt cheated had the sequel only been available as a separate release but the fact that it's included here really makes me feel that I'm getting my money's worth. Both movies look superb and contain interesting interviews with the filmmakers."
— Andrew B. (4/5)
Good '80s double feature!
"If one vacation of terror wasn't enough, here's two!"
— Bryan B. (4/5)
Practical Effects and Pulpy Charm
"This two‑pack of obscure Mexican horror films is a lot of fun overall, even if the second entry is more of a slog than the first. Both movies deliver enjoyable practical effects and a streak of silly humor that keeps things lively. The restoration work is excellent, and while the supplements are limited, they’re genuinely insightful."
"I'd describe Vacation of Terror 1 sort of like Poltergeist's Mexican distant half cousin twice removed. Just don't expect a classic and you'll probably be entertained if you enjoy haunted house movies or movies with supernatural elements. Vacation of Terror 2 goes in another direction and replaces the not-too-scary evil doll in the first film with a much more scarier demon monster. It's an upgrade and the sequel also benefits from crude but crazy special effects. Oh, almost forgot. That Tatiana "Chicos" song is very catchy and a nice bonus."
— Gabriel A. (3/5)
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